Better known amongst the locals as Ban Don (although strictly speaking this refers to the market area only), Surat Thani (or Surat) literally means 'City of the Good People' and is an important administrative and commercial centre. Located some 650km south of Bangkok, this is the first real southern town you will reach travelling down the east coast; the cuisine is spicier, the days are hotter, the locals are friendlier and there is a noticeable Muslim community.

Considering the amount of tourists passing through Surat, very few actually stay in the town or spend more than a couple of hours waiting for a boat or bus. It is a pleasant growing city in its own right, far less touristy than Krabi and a decent spot to spend a couple of days lounging around town or to use as a base for day trips to the surrounding area. Surat boasts many hidden gems for tourists willing to give it a chance. If you are planning on heading to the Gulf Islands from Surat Thani, savour Surat as it will be the last slice of 'real Thailand' you will see till you return!

With a population of around 45,000 the central area of the city is stretched out along the southern bank of the Tapi River, the modern part consists of two long parallel streets containing most of the banks and larger shops whilst the older part, with the market and narrower streets is situated by the river. On the outskirts of the city, Surat is growing up. There is a Tesco/Lotus plaza and several hotels under construction. Even though the concrete architecture is not atheistically pleasing, Surat's welcoming downtown and night market make up for it. Take advantage of Surat's splendid cuisine and special attractions.